"Four miles, and it's half-past two o'clock now!"
"That's true. But do you see any way out of it?"
"No. And another thing: What are we to do with the wheels? We can't leave them here. We've got to have them mended for their owners."
"Maybe they'll be along soon."
"No, they must be miles behind us."
Both of the youths stood looking at the injured wheels in great perplexity. The bicycles weighed over twenty pounds apiece and they did not relish carrying such a load.
"Somebody is coming along the road in a carriage," said Joe, a moment later. "Perhaps he'll help us in some way."
The carriage was coming from the direction of Lakeport. Soon it was in sight and then Fred uttered a glad cry:
"My father!"
"Why, it certainly is!" ejaculated Joe. "Here is luck truly!"